1969 speedometer and tach installation help

[Kenny C.]

Hello Folks
I am looking for any tips on installation of the speedo dash on my 1969. This car has been languishing for 40 years and I am now in the final few items before it sees daylight once again. Problem is I took the dash apart many years ago and I'm not as spry as I once was. I'm finding it impossible to fit the panel in and get the tach and speedo cables plugged in. Please someone tell me there is a trick to reaching these that I am missing.
Thank you

[David H.]

Re: 1969 speedometer and tach installation help

Kenny

Link below to a John Hinckley article on C2 dashes. Perhaps adapting the long bolt method will give you clearance on your C3.

(Cut heads off long bolts and use them to suspend cluster away from dash - providing more clearance.)

Dave

https://www.metroli.org/pdf/C2_Dash_Cluster%20pt1.pdf

[Kenny C.]

Re: 1969 speedometer and tach installation help

Thanks Dave
Nice article, just not sure it will cross over to a C3. I got so frustrated last night, I had the cluster in and out four times but just can't seem to get at the back of the gauges when the cluster is back far enough to even have a chance the cables will reach. I guess I will attack it again tonight and see what happens.

[Mark Z.]

Re: 1969 speedometer and tach installation help

Have you tried disconnecting the other end of cables to give a little more slack?

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 speedometer and tach installation help

Kenny,

It's been a few years but I've done this a few times. Not a fun job but know it can be done.

Lower the steering column by removing the two bolts under the dash. Either remove the steering wheel (easy) or the seat to allow the column to drop enough. Make sure the wiring harness, vacuum lines and cables are all positioned and routed correctly so everything can be connected when the cluster is positioned. Place the cluster assembly in position, leaving just enough space at the top for your hand to connect stuff. As I recall the speedo and tach cables had the least slack so I connected those last. It's tight but doable. It may be easier to connect a few bulbs from below.

Before you do this is a good time to lube both cables.

Another tip: Watch a couple of videos of this on YouTube. Search "C3 Corvette instrument cluster removal" and you'll find several.

[Philip A.]

Re: 1969 speedometer and tach installation help

I've found when re-installing the dash where the cables go into the speedo and tach may turn or not accept the cable without wiggling the cables in a circular motion to get the cable to slide into the back of the gauge. like the square hole is not matching up precisely. once that happens just give em a little more push to latch in. i have also got them close to sliding in but not latched and did it from underneath the dash with the seat out i might add.
As other post mentions I not only had to lower the column by the two bolts that hold the column up I also had to loosen the two at the floor board to give it more flex.

[Francais D.]

Re: 1969 speedometer and tach installation help

When I put my cluster back in I disconnected the speedo and tach cables from distributer and tranny and slid cables in , so cluster could be farther away when connected